Sunday, March 20, 2011

Miles Update

Hi friends,

Thank you so much for you kind comments, prayers and well wishes concerning Miles' health last week. There have been a lot of tears shed over this little pup and his scary condition, but we're doing much better now.

The 2nd trial treatment he received from the vet last Monday didn't take and he seemed to be getting worse fast. Wednesday morning I called the vet very concerned and he made an appointment for us at the University of Minnesota clinic for further tests. The next day, Steve then took him in for yet more tests.

They diagnosed him with Immune Mediated Polyarthritis. Which basically means his body was suddenly attacking his joints causing severe pain and flu-like symptoms (high fever, lethargy, stiffness, ect.). It was terrifying. More than once I wasn't sure if my 10 month old puppy would make it.

We started him on a treatment of B3 vitamin complex and Doxycyline. Saturday afternoon we hadn't seen any improvement. I called the vet asking for further help and she prescribed Prednisone. We were hoping to not have to resort to a steroid, but we needed a solution fast. He received his first treatment late Saturday afternoon and by bedtime, we already noticed improvement.

Sunday morning, he got up on his own, ate all his food, and his ears and tail perked up. He's still very tired and weak, has lost some muscle mass, and his tail still isn't entirely curled, but it's better....so much better.

He'll be on this treatment for a while and we'll carefully monitor him for side-effects, but with a good diet and proper rest, we should be able to taper off the drugs over several months. What a relief.

We've been overwhelmed with love from our friends and family as well as the blogging community. Steve and I were completely helpless not knowing what was wrong with our sweet puggy. Knowing that so many people cared and were praying for Miles and our family was wonderful.

It is scary to have to resort to a steroid. I haven't gone through anything this scary but Ace had to be on them for his skin condition. I hated it. Now all I give him is benedryl and he's doing great. It is so good to hear that Miles is doing better! Keep us updated!

Aw, your poor sweet Miles! I hope he's out of the woods and continues on his way toward health. I know how difficult it is to go through something like that - it's horrible - and I'll continue to keep you in my thoughts. Hang in there, and please keep us posted.

About Me

"I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string."-Anne Shirley, Anne of Avonlea